Suicide rate research ‘adds weight’ to same sex marriage push

AUSTRALIAN politicians have welcomed new research which shows legalising same sex marriage could reduce suicide rates among young people.

Claire Bickers

News Corp Australia NetworkFebruary 23, 20173:51pm

Anti gay marriage protesters marched in the city demanding change to same sex marriage in Australia in October. Picture: Christopher Chan.Source:News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIAN politicians pushing for marriage equality have welcomed new research which shows legalising same sex marriage could reduce suicide rates among young people.

US research released this week found the rate of youth suicide attempts among gay and lesbian youths dropped by 14 per cent where same sex marriage was made legal.

There was also a 7 per cent drop in suicide attempts among young people more broadly where the laws were introduced.

Labor senator Louise Pratt said the findings sent a strong message to the Australian Parliament that action was needed on marriage equality as soon as possible.

Labor senator Louise Pratt says new research out of the US adds weight to the argument for same sex marriage in Australia. Picture: Daniel Wilkins.Source:News Corp Australia

“Australia should be aware that the fact that we don’t have marriage equality in Australia impacts on people’s mental health because it reinforces stereotypes that our identities and relationships are second class and not worthy of the same respect as others,” the WA senator told News Corp.

“Many LGBTI people have poor mental health — not because there is anything wrong with them, but because of the stigma and discrimination they face impacts on their self-esteem and mental health,” she said.

“This is particularly real for young people coming out.

“Marriage equality is a very real way of saying to people that you are equal in all respects to others in our community and will impact on LGBTI peoples sense of self really positively, irrespective of whether they get married or not.”

Greens Senator Janet Rice also says the research adds weight to the argument for same sex marriage to be made legal. Picture: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSource:AAP

The onus was on the 45th parliament to take action on marriage equality, Senator Pratt said.

Greens senator Janet Rice said the research showed marriage equality sent a message to all young people, not just LGBTI youth.

But given the “epidemic” of mental health issues among LGBTI youth in Australia, five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, she said this study added weight to the argument for introducing marriage equality as soon as possible.

Draft laws on marriage equality could be drawn up by the next sitting week in March, she said.

It comes after a senate inquiry last week outlined a way to proceed with the laws.

Civil celebrants would be required to marry all couples that were legally allowed, while ministers of religion would be able to refuse same sex weddings based on religious beliefs.

Nick Xenophon Team senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore, who was on the committee, said the research added weight to the argument for marriage equality.

“But it is my belief that marriage equality should happen and can happen now through a free vote in the Parliament,” she said.

Liberal Senator David Fawcett, who chaired the committee, said the Turnbull Government remained committed to the policy of a plebiscite.

For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au